Karnataka High Court Stays Demolition Of KR Market Shops But Bars Business Over 'Forged Licences'; Says Right To Footpaths Must Be Protected

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday (July 9) deferred the demolition of shops in Bengaluru's KR Market area until the next hearing, but restrained the petitioners from carrying on any business in the premises amid allegations that their licences were forged.

A single judge bench of Justice BM Shyam Prasad was hearing urgent petitions filed by shop owners in the KR Market area seeking protection from demolition under the Greater Bengaluru Authority's (GBA) 'Safe Footpath Campaign', launched on July 1, 2026.

Noting the Advocate General's submission that at least some of the licences produced by the petitioners appeared to be fabricated, the Court observed that a person relying on a fraudulent licence cannot invoke the writ jurisdiction of the High Court.

It further noted that the Supreme Court, in Maniyar Iliyaz Shaik Riyaz v. P. Ayyappan (2026), recognised the right to use footpaths as a fundamental right and held that public authorities are under an obligation to remove encroachments from footpaths.

“…A person who relies upon a fraudulent license cannot assert any locus to invoke this court's jurisdiction. The apex court in MANIYAR ILIYAZ SHAIK RIYAZ Vs P. AYYAPPAN [2026], recognising the right to use footpaths as a fundamental right has observed that the authorities are under an obligation to remove encroachments on the footpath…The action to remove encroachments on footpaths is not just confined to petitioners or specific localities…not just in light of apex court order but also because of the increase in the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents within the city limits because the pedestrians are forced to walk on roads without the use of footpaths….”.

However, considering that the authenticity of the licences still required verification, the Court directed that the structures should not be demolished till the next date of hearing.

"...There cannot be any business from the said premises unless there is an explicit order from this Court. The demolition must be deferred until the next date of hearing. The concerned officials from GBA must file an affidavit as regards the specific licences relied upon by the petitioners. They should also place on record line drawings to depict the premises on the footpath... The authorities, if necessary, will be permitted to seal the premises without demolition," the Court directed.

The Court also directed the concerned GBA officials to file an affidavit explaining the licences relied upon by the petitioners and to place on record drawings depicting the location of the premises on the footpaths.

During the hearing, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, appearing for the State and the GBA, submitted on instructions from the Special Commissioner (Health & Education), GBA, and M.V. Madhu, the former Revenue Officer (Market) for the relevant period between 2023 and 2025, that the authorities had found at least some of the licences produced by the petitioners to be fabricated.

The AG submitted that the licences did not bear the signature of the then Revenue Officer, who alone was competent to issue such licences, and therefore appeared to be forged.

“…Annexure A produced [by petitioners], milord, is a fabricated document. The lady officer has not signed a document of such a nature. There is no seal. It has to be verified…”, the AG submitted.

He further argued that the alleged shops were located on public footpaths near KR Market and Victoria Hospital and that, in view of the Supreme Court's directions recognising pedestrians' right to footpaths, the encroachments were liable to be removed.

Before dictating the order, the Court orally remarked: "We are going strictly by rule of law. No demolition, no business."

When the petitioners sought permission to continue operating their shops pending the proceedings, the Court declined, observing: "If you are relying on licences [based on forged documents], fraud unravels everything and demolishes everything."

The petitions arise out of the GBA's city-wide 'Safe Footpath Campaign', launched on July 1, 2026, to clear encroachments from footpaths. The drive prompted Bengaluru's street vendors to announce a shutdown and stage protests against the eviction exercise.

The matter will be taken up again tomorrow for further hearing.

Case Title: Sri Sudhakar M v. The Commissioner, Bengaluru Central City Corporation & Ors

Case No: WP 20864/2026